A richly flavored caramelized shallot-cider sauce turns baked butternut squash rounds into a beautiful starter or side dish for a fall party.

Makes 6 servings

ACTIVE TIME: 40 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 1 hour

EASE OF PREPARATION: Easy

1 3-pound butternut squash, with a 6-inch-long neck (see Shopping Tip)
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 cups thinly sliced shallots (8-10 medium)
1 teaspoon light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup apple cider
1 tablespoon cider vinegar
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted (see Tip)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a large baking sheet with cooking spray.
2. Cut off the neck of the squash and peel it. Slice into twelve 1/2-inch-thick rounds; remove any stray fibrous threads or seeds in the centers. (Reserve the rest of the squash for another use, such as squash puree). Place the squash rounds on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with foil.
3. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking until the squash is tender, about 20 minutes more.
4. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add shallots, brown sugar and salt and reduce heat to medium-low; cook, stirring often, until the shallots are softened and beginning to brown, about 5 minutes. Stir in cider and vinegar and cook until most of the liquid is evaporated, 6 to 8 minutes.
5. To serve, place 1 squash round on a small plate and top with about 2 1/2 tablespoons shallot sauce. Place a second round on top and finish with another 2 1/2 tablespoons of sauce and a sprinkling of walnuts. Repeat with the remaining squash, shallot sauce and walnuts.

NUTRITION INFORMATION: Per serving: 203 calories; 11 g fat (1 g sat, 4 g mono); 0 mg cholesterol; 25 g carbohydrate; 4 g protein; 2 g fiber; 203 mg sodium; 536 mg potassium.
Nutrition bonus: Vitamin C (25% daily value), Vitamin A (20% dv).
1 1/2 Carbohydrate Servings
Exchanges: 1 starch, 1 vegetable, 2 fat

TIP: Shopping Tip: Look for a squash with a long slender neck like a goose—at least 6 inches long and about 3 inches wide.

Tip: To toast chopped walnuts, heat a small dry skillet over medium-low heat. Add nuts and cook, stirring, until lightly browned and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.

MAKE AHEAD TIP: Prepare the sauce (Step 4); cover and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Reheat just before serving.

Incredibly easy and extremely flavorful. Everyone loved it. The shallot sauce and the squash can be made separately the day before and reheated when ready to serve. Definitely a keeper!

Anonymous, Malverne, NY